EXPERT ADVICE

French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

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Why it’s important to take care of feet & advice for pedicurists

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 April 2025

The importance of footcare can be overlooked, particularly during colder weather when feet and toenails tend to be tucked into thick socks and closed-toe footwear. But footcare services are not just beneficial for pedicure season. Foot and toenail issues can arise at any time, and treating them early can prevent…

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Runner feet

9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat

By Scratch Staff | 13 April 2025

Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners, and how to tackle them for the ultimate foot finish… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “Hard skin, ingrown toenails and bruised nails are some of the most prevalent.…

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Money

Keep your money safe with these security tips

By Kat Hill | 18 June 2019

According the Office for National Statistics’ Crime Survey for England and Wales, last year saw an 8% increase in overall theft offences estimated. While the survey noted a 3% decrease in burglaries, the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ still rings true. Saving both time and money in the long…

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How to market to male clients

By Sophie Nutt | 15 June 2019

The male beauty market is booming as salons see men make up one in five clients*, indulging in their appearance through treatments such as manicures and pedicures, waxing and tanning. We witness old-fashioned stigmas attached to men paying ‘too much’ attention to their appearance or the notions that a ‘real…

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How to market male grooming services

By Scratch Staff | 15 June 2019

Are you boosting your beauty business by opening up your doors and treatments to male clients? Here, the experts reveal how to market yourself successfully… “You already have a strong female clientele base and these clients may have husbands, boyfriends, fathers, brothers, uncles and friends – all potential customers at your…

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Beauty waste

Tracy Sutton shares five ways to limit your impact on the environment

By Sophie Nutt | 13 June 2019

Our industry’s war with waste is significant. Public awareness surrounding packaging, plastic pollution and the environment is at its highest due to media coverage, new regulations and reports. No one knows the absolute right thing to do in order to solve the issue, and everyone has different values and approaches,…

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Why it’s important to charge your worth

By Katie Barnes | 11 June 2019

In the nail industry, we are fortunate to have such a rewarding career. However, with this in mind it is still important to remember that you, along with your peers, educators and colleagues are all running a business. Remember you’re not a charity, if you want to help people you…

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Salon owners delaying retirement for as long as possible

By Kat Hill | 8 June 2019

 A new survey by NHF/NBF  has found that hair and beauty salon owners without private pensions say they will delay their retirement for as long as possible. Of 400 salon owners surveyed, almost one in six (16%) said their State Pension would be their only pension income during retirement. Half…

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